Tag Archives: democracy
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Why a #citizensassembly might be the best way out of this #Brexit crisis
2June 2, 2019 by Paul Goldsmith
A citizens assembly on Brexit could provide a way out of the current crisis by bringing people together to recommend …
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What if the EU made laws we didn’t like?
Leave a commentSeptember 7, 2017 by Paul Goldsmith
It might surprise you that a speech by committed socialist Tony Benn was once identified by Conservative firebrand Norman Tebbit …
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Why Parliament must have a say on Article 50 and Brexit
2November 5, 2016 by Paul Goldsmith
It is no surprise that even though Steven Phillips voted for Brexit, he has resigned as an MP as a …
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The vote to leave was NOT a vote for a points-based immigration system
1September 6, 2016 by Paul Goldsmith
So the first Brexit battle-line is drawn. Theresa May has ‘ruled-out’ an Australian style points system for immigration as a …
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Why the new Prime Minister should call a General Election immediately
2June 27, 2016 by Paul Goldsmith
If you thought we were done with major political decisions until 2020, you’ve got another think coming. Whoever the Tories …
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Why #Brexit was always coming
Leave a commentJune 25, 2016 by Paul Goldsmith
In May 1945 Winston Churchill stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace receiving bigger cheers for his part in winning …
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Perhaps now is the time to value our politicians #JoCox
2June 16, 2016 by Paul Goldsmith
To anyone who thinks that politicians are all the same, I give you Jo Cox. To anyone who thinks that …
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Why new participants in politics need to listen more.
1September 21, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
Speaking this week to the Press Gazette, Ian Hislop, the editor of satirical magazine Private Eye and star of BBC’s …
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The furore over Jeremy Corbyn not singing the National Anthem is illiberal bullying
6September 17, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
Is it just me who is concerned about the dangerously illiberal reaction to Jeremy Corbyn not singing the national anthem …
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A government imposing austerity backed by 24% of the electorate is a legitimate as 250,000 people marching against it
Leave a commentJune 24, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
Last weekend (20th June) there was an anti-austerity march in Central London. It was reported variously that 250,000 people …
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The Greek government is learning what happens when you treat the public like children
Leave a commentMay 19, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
Good news, I have just received a mandate from my loyal subjects not to pay back my mortgage. In the …
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Salmond’s honesty gives us a tantalising view into post-election chaos
1March 26, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
In these days of people complaining that politicians don’t give a straight answer to questions, it has been refreshing to …
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An explanation of the election debate fudge…sorry, compromise, reached
Leave a commentMarch 23, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
So finally an agreement has been reached between the political parties and the broadcasters on how the televised “debates” will …
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Government response to Jihadi John another example of how ‘hard cases make bad law’
Leave a commentMarch 3, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
Often, we are faced with an extreme situation that leads to the cry that “something must be done.” Governments, or …
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Obamacare and putting principle before politics.
Leave a commentFebruary 16, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
There was a fascinating story told by David Axelrod, who was a Senior staffer in the Barack Obama White House …
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Can you campaign against fuel poverty AND oppose fracking at the same time?
2February 5, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
Last week, MPs voted overwhelmingly against a bid to have all fracking suspended. However, this was not without controversy. Tessa …
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“Je Suis Charlie” – we have the right to FEEL offended but we don’t have the right not to BE offended
1February 1, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
I’ve been thinking, and reading, since January 7th, about free speech. Should it really be unlimited? What does ‘offensive’ mean? …
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UK Party leader debates….it’s just not how our democracy works
Leave a commentJanuary 27, 2015 by Paul Goldsmith
That the Party leader debates should happen seems to be obvious to everyone. But a closer look at what they …
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I wear a poppy to commemorate the deaths of those who fought so some people could choose NOT to wear one
Leave a commentNovember 10, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
Every year I find myself having to explain to people why I believe that Remembrance Sunday is a day for pacifists, …
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Russell Brand…irresponsible revolutionary?
7October 26, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
I have always been rather wary of people who wait until they become multi-millionaires before they start complaining about inequality. …
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Why is Devo Max being offered by the No campaign without consulting the British people?
Leave a commentSeptember 16, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
14 years ago I was sitting in a sales meeting at my old IT consultancy. We were attempting to persuade …
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A written constitution – Would an independent Scotland close the democratic deficit
1September 14, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
The Uk is one of the only countries in the world without a written, codified constitution. The UK’s constitution, as …
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Salmond decides the referendum is now on currency union, not just independence
Leave a commentAugust 26, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
By far the wierdest portion of the Scottish Independence campaign last night was when Alex Salmond decided to unilaterally remodel …
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Why we should have a free vote on whether to repeal the fox hunting ban
Leave a commentAugust 19, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
This week, Barney White-Spunner, the Chairman of the Countryside Alliance, threatened David Cameron with the withdrawal of helpers in the …
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Victim impact statements – no place in a democracy except for rehabilitation
Leave a commentAugust 11, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
There is a reason that victims are not allowed to be the judge or the jury. Take me for instance, …
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A “No” vote will leave the West Lothian question unanswered
Leave a commentJuly 17, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
When the “No” campaign aren’t spending their time pointing out the actual consequences of the Scots voting for independence (called …
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Data Retention and Investigation Powers Bill – ‘Then they came for me…..’
Leave a commentJuly 13, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
Not being a fan of censorship of any form, my thoughts when I heard about the fast-tracking of the Data …
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The “Right to be Forgotten” – the implementation devil rears its head
Leave a commentJuly 4, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
When the European Court of Justice (ECJ) made its “Right to be Forgotten judgement” back in May I warned …
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If you think nothing was gained from invading Iraq, remember the purple finger
Leave a commentJune 25, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
I’ll never forget the minute Moussa (not his real name) walked into my classroom with a smile on his face …
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Buying water cannon to stifle protest – not in my name
Leave a commentJune 16, 2014 by Paul Goldsmith
I yield to very few in my belief in freedom of speech the importance of protest as a major aspect …
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